Prepare the Ribs: Remove or score the silverskin on the back of the ribs.
Mix the Rub: Combine all rub ingredients in a bowl. Coat both sides of the ribs generously with the rub and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Set Up the Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Fill the hopper with wood pellets (hickory or applewood) or fill the water pan for a water smoker.
Smoke the Ribs: Place the ribs on the smoker grates, bone side down. Smoke for 4 hours, spritzing with the ACV/apple juice mixture every 45 minutes.
Wrap the Ribs: Remove the ribs and place them on aluminum foil. Add a splash of the spritzing mixture, wrap tightly, and return to the smoker for 1 hour.
Unwrap and Finish 1 Hour: Increase the temperature to 250°F. Unwrap the ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and cook for another hour, basting every 15-20 minutes.
Check for Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 190°F to 205°F. The ribs should be tender and the meat should pull away from the bones easily.
Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
To prevent drying out, maintain a consistent temperature and use a spritzing method. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your heat preference. You can make the rub and spritzing mixture in advance for convenience.Check out my BBQ sauce recipe here